User interface methods and apparatus for use in communicating messages to multiple recipients

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for use in communicating messages to multiple recipients are described. A wireless device receives a first input request for creating a new message, and also receives one or more second input requests for selecting a plurality of recipient identifiers for the new message. The wireless device also receives a third input request which indicates whether or not the message is for a group conversation. When the third input request indicates group conversation, the wireless device formats the recipient identifiers in first header fields (e.g., CC header fields) of an MMS message. When the third input request indicates no group conversation, the wireless device alternatively formats the recipient identifiers in second header fields (e.g., BCC header fields) of the MMS message. The MMS message is then transmitted to the recipient identifiers via a wireless network. Recipient devices may process the message as group or non-group (e.g., broadcast) depending on the field locations of the recipient identifiers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional applicationhaving application No. 61/326,520 and filing date of 21 Apr. 2010, whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Technology

The present disclosure relates generally to communication devices andmessaging, and more particularly to user interface techniques for use incommunicating messages to multiple recipients from mobile communicationdevices which operate in wireless communication networks.

2. Description of the Related Art

Today, wireless communication devices which operate in wirelesscommunication networks have capabilities which may include wirelesstelephony and wireless messaging. Wireless messaging may includeelectronic-mail (e-mail) messaging, text messaging such as short messageservice (SMS) messaging or multimedia messaging service (MMS) messaging,or instant messaging, messaging in chat sessions, as examples.

A user of a wireless communication device may wish to communicatemessages to multiple recipients, and may not be concerned with whatunderlying type of messaging or technology is utilized by the device forsuch purpose. Different types of input fields may be provided for by themessaging application for entering in recipient addresses. For example,in a typical e-mail application, the types of input fields may includeTO fields, CC (“carbon copy”) fields, and BCC (“blind carbon copy”)fields. However, allowing all of these different types of fields formessaging may overcomplicate the user interface.

What are needed are methods and apparatus to overcome these and relatedor similar deficiencies of the prior art. The same or similar problemsmay exist in other devices or messaging types.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of present disclosure will now be described by way ofexample with reference to attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system which includes awireless communication device for communicating in a wirelesscommunication network;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed example of a wireless communication device foruse in the wireless communication network;

FIG. 3 is a particular structure of a system for communicating with thewireless communication device;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing a method for use in communicatingshort messages to multiple recipients from the wireless communicationdevice; and

FIGS. 5-11 are display presentations in a display of the wirelesscommunication device for depicting various actions associated with themethod described in relation to FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatus for use in communicating messages to multiplerecipients from a wireless communication device are described herein.The new message may be communicated as a multimedia messaging service(MMS) message, for example. The wireless device receives, via the userinterface, a first input request for creating a new message, as well asone or more second input requests for selecting a plurality of recipientidentifiers (e.g., in “TO” fields) of the new message. The wirelessdevice also receives, via the user interface, a third input request forindicating whether or not the new message is for a group conversation.When the third input request indicates that the new message is for agroup conversation, the wireless device formats each recipientidentifier in a first header field (e.g., CC header field) of themessage. When the third input request indicates that the new message isnot for a group conversation, the wireless device formats each recipientidentifier in a second header field (e.g., BCC header field) of themessage. The message is then transmitted, via the wireless communicationnetwork, to the recipient identifiers via a wireless communicationnetwork. Recipient devices may process the message as group or non-group(e.g., broadcast) depending on the field locations of the recipientidentifiers.

To illustrate one exemplary environment within which the presenttechniques may be practiced, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of acommunication system 100 which includes a wireless communication device102 which communicates through a wireless communication network 104.Wireless communication device 102 may include a visual display 112, akeyboard 114, and one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, eachof which is coupled to a controller 106. Controller 106 is also coupledto radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110.

In most modern communication devices, controller 106 is embodied as acentral processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in amemory component (not shown). Controller 106 normally controls overalloperation of wireless device 102, whereas signal processing operationsassociated with communication functions are typically performed in RFtransceiver circuitry 108. Controller 106 interfaces with device display112 to display received information, stored information, input requests,and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be a telephone type keypad or fullalphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data forstorage in wireless device 102, information for transmission to network104, a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to beexecuted on wireless device 102, and possibly other or different inputrequests. In one embodiment, keyboard 114 may be or include a physicalkeyboard or a virtual or “soft” keyboard, implemented, for example, byway of images of keys rendered on a touch screen display.

Wireless device 102 sends communication signals to and receivescommunication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those ofbase station 138, including for example modulation/demodulation andpossibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is alsocontemplated that RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certainfunctions in addition to those performed by base station 138. It will beapparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 willbe adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which wirelessdevice 102 is intended to operate.

Wireless device 102 includes a battery interface 118 for receiving oneor more rechargeable batteries 120. Battery 120 provides electricalpower to (most if not all) electrical circuitry in wireless device 102,and battery interface 118 provides for a mechanical and electricalconnection for battery 120. Battery interface 118 is coupled to aregulator 122 which regulates power for the device. When wireless device102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry108 is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network104, and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Suchintermittent operation of transmitter has a dramatic effect on powerconsumption of wireless device 102. Similarly, an RF receiver of RFtransceiver circuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off toconserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (ifat all) during designated time periods.

Wireless device 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a datacommunication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-functioncommunication device with data and voice communication capabilities suchas a mobile telephone with data communication functionality, a personaldigital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or acomputer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, wireless device102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separatecomponents, including but in no way limited to a computer or otherdevice connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in thewireless device block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry 108and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may beinserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptopcomputer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliaryUIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is alsocontemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable ofwireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectivelyassume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of asingle-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a wirelessdevice 102 may have a more particular implementation as described laterin relation to wireless device 202 of FIG. 2.

Wireless device 102 may operate using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)126 which is connected to or inserted in wireless device 102 at a SIMinterface 124. SIM 126 is one type of a conventional “smart card” usedto identify an end user (or subscriber) of wireless device 102 and topersonalize the device, among other things. Without SIM 126, thewireless device terminal is not fully operational for communicationthrough wireless network 104. By inserting SIM 126 into wireless device102, an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribedservices. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM 126 contains someuser parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI) and a Mobile Station Integrated International Service DigitalNetwork (MSISDN). In addition, SIM 126 is typically protected by aPersonal Identification Number (PIN) which is stored therein and knownonly by the end user. An advantage of using SIM 126 is that end usersare not necessarily bound by any single physical wireless device.Typically, the only element that personalizes a wireless device terminalis a SIM card. Therefore, the user can access subscribed services usingany wireless device equipped to operate with the user's SIM 126.

Some information stored on SIM 126 (e.g., address book and SMS messages)may be retrieved and visually displayed on display 112. Wireless device102 has one or more software applications which are executed bycontroller 106 to facilitate the information stored on SIM 126 to bedisplayed on display 112. Controller 106 and SIM interface 124 have dataand control lines 144 coupled therebetween to facilitate the transfer ofthe information between controller 106 and SIM interface 124 so that itmay be visually displayed. An end user enters input request signals atkeyboard 114, for example, and in response, controller 106 controls SIMinterface 124 and SIM 126 to retrieve the information for display. Theend user may also enter input request signals at keyboard 114, forexample, and, in response, controller 106 controls SIM interface 124 andSIM 126 to store information on SIM 126 for later retrieval and viewing.The software applications executed by controller 106 include anapplication to retrieve and display address book information stored onSIM 126, and an application to retrieve and display SMS messageinformation stored on SIM 126.

Wireless device 102 communicates in and through wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is aGlobal Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)network. Wireless network 104 includes a base station 138 with anassociated antenna tower 136, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 140, aVisitor Location Register (VLR) 130, a Home Location Register (HLR) 132,and a Short Message Service Center (SMS-SC) 128. MSC 140 is coupled tobase station 138 and to SMS-SC 128, which is in turn coupled to othernetwork(s) 134.

Base station 138, including its associated controller and antenna tower136, provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage areacommonly referred to as a “cell”. Base station 138 transmitscommunication signals to and receives communication signals fromwireless devices within its cell via antenna tower 136. Base station 138normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encodingand/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the wireless device inaccordance with particular, usually predetermined, communicationprotocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station138 similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, ifnecessary, any communication signals received from wireless device 102within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary betweendifferent networks. For example, one network may employ a differentmodulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than othernetworks.

The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 representsone or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF)channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 andwireless device 102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that awireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, eachserved by a distinct base station 138 and transceiver, depending upondesired overall expanse of network coverage. All base stationcontrollers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches androuters (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers.

For all wireless devices 102 registered with a network operator,permanent data (such as wireless device 102 user's profile) as well astemporary data (such as wireless device's 102 current location) arestored in HLR 132. In case of a voice call to wireless device 102, HLR132 is queried to determine the current location of wireless device 102.VLR 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the dataof those wireless devices that are currently in its area ofresponsibility. This includes parts of the permanent wireless devicedata that have been transmitted from HLR 132 to VLR 130 for fasteraccess. However, VLR 130 may also assign and store local data, such astemporary identifications. Optionally, VLR 130 can be enhanced for moreefficient co-ordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality(e.g., paging for circuit-switched calls, and combined GPRS and non-GPRSlocation updates).

Being part of the GPRS network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is atthe same hierarchical level as MSC 140 and keeps track of the individuallocations of wireless devices. An SGSN also performs security functionsand access control. Further, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) providesinterworking with external packet-switched networks and is connectedwith SGSNs via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. The SGSN performsauthentication and cipher setting procedures based on the samealgorithms, keys, and criteria as in existing GSM. For SMS transfer overGPRS, the SGSN is used in place of MSC 140.

In order to access GPRS services, wireless device 102 first makes itspresence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as aGPRS “attach”. This operation establishes a logical link betweenwireless device 102 and the SGSN and makes wireless device 102 availableto receive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRSdata, or SMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data,wireless device 102 assists in activating the packet data address thatit wants to use. This operation makes wireless device 102 known to theGGSN; interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence.User data may be transferred transparently between wireless device 102and the external data networks using, for example, encapsulation andtunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocolinformation and transferred between wireless device 102 and the GGSN.

SMS makes use of SMS-SC 128 which acts as a store-and-forward system forrelaying short messages. Messages are stored in the network until thedestination device becomes available, so a user can receive or transmitan SMS message at any time, whether a voice call is in progress or not.SMS-SC 128 may be integrated with a Gateway MSC for Short MessageService (SMS-GMSC) and an Interworking MSC for Short Message Service(SMS-IWMSC), as would be the case shown in FIG. 1. An SMS-GMSC is afunction for receiving a short message from an SMS-SC, interrogating anHLR for routing information and SMS info, and delivering the shortmessage for the recipient MS. An SMS-IWMSC is a function for receiving ashort message from within the network and submitting it to the recipientSMS-SC. Other messages which may be delivered are Multimedia MessagingService (MMS) messages. The above configuration may be provided insubstantial accordance with 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project,Technical Specification 03.40, V6.2.0, 2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS03.40).

As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed networkcomponents including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base stationcontrollers, network servers, and servers connected to network. Thoseskilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network may be connectedto other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitlyshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of an exemplary wirelesscommunication device 202. Wireless device 202 may be a two-waycommunication device having at least voice and data communicationcapabilities, including the capability to communicate with othercomputer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by wirelessdevice 202, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-waypager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wirelessInternet appliance, or a data communication device (with or withouttelephony capabilities). Wireless device 202 may be a mobile station.

If wireless device 202 is enabled for two-way communication, it willnormally incorporate a communication subsystem 211, which includes areceiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as oneor more (e.g., embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, localoscillators (LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP) 220. Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RFtransceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will beapparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular designof communication subsystem 211 depends on the communication network inwhich wireless device 202 is intended to operate.

Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type ofnetwork utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access isassociated with a subscriber or user of wireless device 202. A GPRSdevice therefore operates in conjunction with a Subscriber IdentityModule, commonly referred to as a “SIM” card 256, in order to operate onthe GPRS network. Without such a SIM card 256, a GPRS device will not befully functional. Local or non-network communication functions (if any)may be operable, but wireless device 202 will be unable to carry out anyfunctions involving communications over the network. SIM 256 includesthose features described in relation to FIG. 1.

Wireless device 202 may send and receive communication signals over thenetwork after required network registration or activation procedureshave been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the networkare input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiverfunctions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering,channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2,analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signalallows more complex communication functions such as demodulation anddecoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, forexample, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input totransmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communicationnetwork via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communicationsignals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. Forexample, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 andtransmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in DSP 220.

Wireless device 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is oneimplementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overalloperation of wireless device 202. Communication functions, including atleast data and voice communications, are performed through communicationsubsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional devicesubsystems such as a display 222, a flash memory 224, a random accessmemory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, a serialport 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, a short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, and any other device subsystems generallydesignated at 242. Data and control lines 260 extend between SIMinterface 254 and microprocessor 238 for communicating data therebetweenand for control. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 performcommunication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide“resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such askeyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for bothcommunication-related functions, such as entering a text message fortransmission over a communication network, and device-resident functionssuch as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used bymicroprocessor 238 may be stored in a persistent store such as flashmemory 224, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM), abattery backed-up RAM, or similar storage element (not shown). Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specificdevice applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into avolatile store such as RAM 226.

Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,enables execution of software applications on wireless device 202. Apredetermined set of applications which control basic device operations,including at least data and voice communication applications (such as auser interface technique), will normally be installed on wireless device202 during its manufacture. One exemplary application that may be loadedonto wireless device 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM)application having the ability to organize and manage data itemsrelating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events,voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memorystores are available on wireless device 202 and SIM 256 to facilitatestorage of PIM data items and other information.

The PIM application has the ability to send and receive data items viathe wireless network. In an exemplary embodiment, PIM data items areseamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wirelessnetwork, with the wireless device user's corresponding data items storedand/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating amirrored host computer on wireless device 202 with respect to suchitems. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system isthe wireless device user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto wireless device 202 throughnetwork, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, andinstalled by a user in RAM 226 or a non-volatile store for execution bymicroprocessor 238. Such flexibility in application installationincreases the functionality of wireless device 202 and may provideenhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both.For example, secure communication applications may enable electroniccommerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performedusing wireless device 202.

In a data communication mode, data such as an SMS message will beprocessed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor238. Microprocessor 238 may further process the signal for output todisplay 222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. A user ofwireless device 202 may also compose data items, such as SMS messages,using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display 222 and possiblyauxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 may be a complete alphanumerickeyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. In one embodiment, keyboard 232may be or include a physical keyboard or a virtual or “soft” keyboard,implemented, for example, by way of images of keys rendered on a touchscreen display. The composed items may be transmitted over acommunication network through communication subsystem 211.

For voice communications, the overall operation of wireless device 202is substantially similar, except that the received signals are output tospeaker 234 and signals for transmission are generated by microphone236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice messagerecording subsystem, may also be implemented on wireless device 202.Although voice or audio signal output may be accomplished primarilythrough speaker 234, display 222 may also be used to provide anindication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call,or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of wirelessdevice 202 by providing for information or software downloads towireless device 202 other than through a wireless communication network.The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load anencryption key onto wireless device 202 through a direct and thusreliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure devicecommunication.

Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between wirelessdevice 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarilybe similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrareddevice and associated circuits and components, a Bluetooth™communication module, or an 802.11 communication module, to provide forcommunication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ isa registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that “Bluetooth” and “802.11” refer to sets ofspecifications, available from the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE), relating to wireless personal areanetworks and wireless local area networks, respectively.

Wireless device 202 may also include a battery interface, such as thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 1, for receiving one or more rechargeablebatteries. Such a battery provides electrical power to most if not allelectrical circuitry in wireless device 202, and the battery interfaceprovides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The batteryinterface is coupled to a regulator which regulates a voltage to all ofthe circuitry.

FIG. 3 shows a particular system structure for communicating messages toand from wireless device 202. In particular, FIG. 3 shows basiccomponents of an IP-based wireless data packet network 345, such as aGPRS network. Wireless device 202 communicates with wireless packet datanetwork 345, and may also be capable of communicating with a wirelessvoice network (not shown). The voice network may be associated with theIP-based wireless network as similar to, for example, GSM and GPRSnetworks, or alternatively may be a completely separate network. A GPRSIP-based data network is unique in that it is effectively an overlay onthe GSM voice network. As such, GPRS components will either extendexisting GSM components, such as base stations 320, or requireadditional components to be added, such as an advanced Gateway GPRSService Node (GGSN) as a network entry point 305.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gateway 340 may be coupled to an internal orexternal address resolution component 335 and one or more network entrypoints 305. Data packets are transmitted from gateway 340, which issource of information to be transmitted to wireless device 202, throughwireless packet data network 345 by setting up a wireless network tunnel325 from gateway 340 to wireless device 202. In order to create thiswireless tunnel 325, a unique network address is associated withwireless device 202. In an IP-based wireless packet data network,however, network addresses are typically not permanently assigned to aparticular wireless device 202 but instead are dynamically allocated onan as-needed basis. Thus, wireless device 202 may acquire a networkaddress and for gateway 340 to determine this address so as to establishwireless tunnel 325.

Network entry point 305 is generally used to multiplex and demultiplexamongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such asthe Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these networkentry points 305, since they are also intended to centralize externallyavailable wireless network services. Network entry points 305 often usesome form of an address resolution component 335 that assists in addressassignment and lookup between gateways and wireless devices. In thisexample, address resolution component 335 is shown as a dynamic hostconfiguration protocol (DHCP) server as one method for providing anaddress resolution mechanism.

A central internal component of wireless packet data network 345 is anetwork router 315. Normally, network routers 315 are proprietary to theparticular network, but they could alternatively be constructed fromstandard commercially available hardware. The purpose of network routers315 is to centralize a plurality (e.g., thousands) of base stations 320normally implemented in a relatively large network into a centrallocation for a long-haul connection back to network entry point 305. Insome networks there may be multiple tiers of network routers 315 andthere may be cases where there are master and slave network routers 315,but in all such cases the functions of network routers 315 are similar.Often network router 315 will access a name server 307, in this caseshown as a dynamic name server (DNS) 307 as used in the Internet, tolook up destinations for routing data messages. Base stations 320, asdescribed above, provide wireless links to wireless devices such aswireless device 202.

Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel 325 are opened acrosswireless packet data network 345 in order to allocate necessary memory,routing, and address resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, suchtunnels 325 are established as part of what are referred to as “PDPcontexts” (i.e., data sessions). To open wireless tunnel 325, wirelessdevice 202 may use a specific technique associated with wireless packetdata network 345. The step of opening such a wireless tunnel 325 mayrequire wireless device 202 to indicate the domain, or network entrypoint 305 with which it wishes to open wireless tunnel 325. In thisexample, the tunnel first reaches network router 315 which uses nameserver 307 to determine which network entry point 305 matches the domainprovided. Multiple wireless tunnels can be opened from one wirelessdevice 202 for redundancy, or to access different gateways and serviceson the network. Once the domain name is found, the tunnel is thenextended to network entry point 305 and necessary resources areallocated at each of the nodes along the way. Network entry point 305then uses address resolution component 335 (e.g., the DHCP server)component to allocate an IP address for wireless device 202. When an IPaddress has been allocated to wireless device 202 and communicated togateway 340, information can then be forwarded from gateway 340 towireless device 202.

Wireless tunnel 325 typically has a limited life, depending on wirelessdevice's 202 coverage profile and activity. Wireless packet data network345 will tear down wireless tunnel 325 after a certain period ofinactivity or out-of-coverage period, in order to recapture resourcesheld by this wireless tunnel 325 for other users. The main reason forthis is to reclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for wirelessdevice 202 when wireless tunnel 325 was first opened. Once the IPaddress is lost and wireless tunnel 325 is torn down, gateway 340 losesall ability to initiate IP data packets to wireless device 202, whetherover Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol(UDP).

In the present disclosure, wireless packet data network 345 may includebut is not limited to (1) a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networkthat has been developed and operated by Qualcomm; (2) a General PacketRadio Service (GPRS) network for use in conjunction with Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM) network both developed by standardscommittee of European Conference of Postal and TelecommunicationsAdministrations (CEPT); and (3) future third-generation (3G) networkslike Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS). It is to be understood that althoughparticular IP-based wireless networks have been described, techniques ofthe present disclosure could be utilized in any suitable type ofwireless network. Note that the infrastructure shown and described inrelation to FIG. 3 may be representative of each one of a number ofdifferent communication networks which are provided and available in thesame geographic region. One of these communication networks will beselected by the wireless device, either in an automatic or manualfashion, for communications.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing an exemplary method for use incommunicating messages to multiple recipients from a communicationdevice, such as the wireless device 102/202 described above in relationto FIGS. 1-3. In particular, the techniques described in relation to theflowchart may be performed by one or more controllers or processors ofthe communication device along with its wireless transceiver. A computerprogram product which may embody the technique may include a computerreadable medium (e.g., memory of the communication device, computerdisk, CD-ROM, etc.) having computer instructions stored therein whichare executable by the one or more processors of the communication devicefor performing the technique. The flowchart of FIG. 4 will be describedin combination with FIGS. 5-11, which are display presentations ofdisplay 222 of the wireless device corresponding to the steps of theflowchart.

Referring initially to FIG. 5, a messaging application of the wirelessdevice is opened or activated. When the messaging application is opened,a list 502 of message headers may be shown in display 222. The messageheaders in list 502 correspond to previously-communicated messages whichare stored in memory. The messages may include messages received at thewireless device, as well as message sent from the wireless device. Themessage headers of the messages may be displayed in forward or reversechronological order from the date and time they were received or sent,for example, as shown in FIG. 5.

In the embodiment described, the messages are or include messages thatmay be communicated as text messages or short messages, e.g., ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)messages. Such messages may be or include individual messages, groupmessages, or broadcast messages. The processor of the wireless deviceoperates to process these different types of messages differentlydepending on the type (i.e., individual, group, or broadcast).

Individual messages are communicated only between two messageparticipants (i.e., the user of the wireless device and another messageparticipant). See FIG. 9 for an illustrative example of a conversationinvolving individual messages. For messages of the individual type, theprocessor of the wireless device is operative to display and makevisible the sender identifier of the message sender (i.e., the otherparty). Note, however, that such sender identifier may be implied foreach message instance (e.g., listed once in the conversation, as in FIG.9). The processor may be further operative to enable reply messaging inresponse to an input request for reply. When sending such a message, therecipient identifier for the individual message may be displayed, e.g.,in a recipient input field which is designated as a “TO” field. Theprocessor may format and communicate an individual message as an SMSmessage or an MMS message.

On the other hand, group messages are communicated amongst a pluralityof group participants (i.e., the user of the wireless device and atleast two other group participants). See FIG. 11 for an illustrativeexample of a group conversation involving group messages. For messagesof the group type, the processor is operative to process according to agroup message processing mode. Here, the processor operates to displayand make visible the sender identifier who sent the message, inassociation with the message. The processor may be further operative toenable reply messaging (i.e., reply to sender only, or reply to all) inresponse to an input request for reply. If a group message is beingcommunicated, the processor operates to format and communicate themessage as an MMS message. When sending such a message, althoughrecipient identifiers for group messages may be displayed in recipientinput fields which are designated as “TO” fields, the processor operatesto populate “CC” fields of the MMS message with these recipientidentifiers when formatting the MMS message for transmission.

Further, broadcast messages are communicated or broadcasted to aplurality of broadcast members (i.e., the user of the wireless deviceand at least two other members). See FIG. 10 for an illustrative exampleof a conversation involving broadcast messages. For messages of thebroadcast (non-group) type, the processor is operative to processaccording to a broadcast (non-group) message processing mode. Here, theprocessor is operative to suppress the display of the sender identifier(who sent the message) with the message. The processor may be furtheroperative to enable reply messaging to the sender and all recipients (orin an alternate embodiment, only to the sender identifier), in responseto an input request for reply. If a broadcast message is beingcommunicated, the processor operates to format and communicate themessage as an MMS message. When sending such a message, althoughrecipient identifiers for broadcast messages are displayed in recipientinput fields which are designated as “TO” fields, the processor operatesto populate “BCC” fields of the MMS message with the recipientidentifiers when formatting the MMS message for transmission.

Note further that the processor of the wireless device operates topresent previously-communicated messages having the same participants aspart of a single conversation thread of the same “conversation” or“chat.” The processor operates to associate all messages having the sameparticipants as part of the same conversation and same conversationthread when needed.

As shown in FIG. 5, while the list 502 of message headers is displayed,the user of the wireless device uses an input mechanism of the userinterface (e.g., a keyboard, touch screen display, etc.) to navigatethrough a menu list 504 which may be invoked in the display 222. Menulist 504 includes a plurality of function indicators 506 correspondingto a plurality of different functions which may be invoked. Morespecifically, many of function indicators 506 correspond to a pluralityof different functions associated with messaging or messaging inconnection with specific messages in menu list 504. In the example shownin FIG. 5, function indicators 506 in menu list 504 include a “Help”function indicator corresponding to a help function; an “Open” functionindicator corresponding to an “open message” function; a “Mark Unopened”function indicator corresponding to a “marked message as unopened”function; an “Clear Chat” function indicator corresponding to a “clearor erase previous chat” function; a “Delete” function indicatorcorresponding to a “delete message” function; a “Compose E-mail”function indicator corresponding to a “create new e-mail” function; a“Compose SMS/MMS” function indicator 508 corresponding to a “create newSMS/MMS” function; and an “Instant Message” function indicatorcorresponding to a “create new Instant Message” function.

Referring back to the flowchart of FIG. 4, and beginning at a startblock 402, the processor receives through the user interface an inputrequest for creating a new message (step 404 of FIG. 4). In response,the processor causes one or more message/input fields for creating thenew message to be produced in the display 222. As shown in FIG. 5, forexample, with use of the input mechanism which positions a cursor, theuser finds and selects “Compose SMS/MMS” indicator 508 within menu list504. “Compose SMS/MMS” indicator 508 is for creating a new text messageto be sent. An exemplary response to this selection is shown in FIG. 6,where a plurality of to message fields 612 and message input fields 602and 610 for creating a new message 620 are presented in display 222. Inthis example, the message input fields for creating new message 620include a message recipient input field 602 (e.g., a “TO” field asshown) for the user's entering or selecting of a recipient identifier, amessage body input field 610 for the user's entering or selecting oftext for the message, and a conversation thread field 612 for displayingany existing conversation thread.

From step 404 of FIG. 4, new message 620 of FIG. 6 is initially “blank”and requires input from the user, and the cursor is generally set withinthe message recipient input field 602. Then, the processor receivesthrough the user interface (e.g., through keyboard and/or touch screendisplay, for example) an input request for selecting a recipientidentifier 606 (step 406 of FIG. 4). The recipient identifier 606 may bea recipient name, telephone number (e.g., a Mobile Station InternationalISDN (MSISDN) or the like), or an address (e.g., an e-mail address), asexamples.

Upon such selection and display, an additional message recipient inputfield 604 (e.g., another “TO” field) is presented in display 222, andthe cursor may be automatically set or positioned within this field 604as shown. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 7, the user may select an additionalrecipient identifier 704 which is displayed in additional messagerecipient input field 604. Upon such selection and display, a furthermessage recipient input field 706 (e.g., another “TO” field) ispresented in display 222, and the cursor may be automatically set orpositioned within this field 706 as shown. Thus, as further depicted inFIG. 8, the user may select a further recipient identifier 802 which isdisplayed in further message recipient input field 706. Note that thismay continue for even further additional recipient identifiers.

In response to the selection of more than one recipient identifier instep 406 of FIG. 4, the processor operates to present a user input fieldand receive an input request for selecting whether or not the newmessage is for a group conversation (step 408 of FIG. 4). For example,in FIGS. 7-8, a user input checkbox 702 which indicates “Enable GroupChat” is presented. In this example, if the user input checkbox 702 ischecked, then the user has indicated that the new message is for a groupconversation. Otherwise, if the user input checkbox 702 is unchecked,then the user has indicated that the new message is not for a groupconversation (rather, e.g., it is for a broadcast message). In theillustrated example in FIGS. 7-8, the user input checkbox 702 is shownas unchecked in FIG. 7 (i.e., not for group conversation, but rather forbroadcasting) and shown as checked in FIG. 8 (i.e., for groupconversation).

Message body input field 610 of new message 620 is also “blank” andrequires input from the user; the cursor is generally set at thebeginning of the message body input field 610. Responsive to the user'sactions, the processor receives via the user interface (e.g., throughkeyboard and/or touch screen display, for example) message body contents(e.g., text, such as alphanumeric characters entered or selected by theuser) being entered into message body input field 610 (step 410 of FIG.4). Note that this information makes up the main body of the new messageto be sent. Subsequently, the processor receives through the userinterface an indication to send the new message (e.g., “SEND” or “SENDMESSAGE” invoked by the user).

In response to the indication to send the new message, when the newmessage is identified to be for initiating a group conversation (step412 of FIG. 4), then each recipient identifier is taken from the TOfield and formatted in a CC header field of the new message (step 414 ofFIG. 4). For example, the recipient identifiers may be formatted in CCheader fields which are CC header fields of an MMS message.

On the other hand, when the new message is identified to not be forinitiating a group conversation (e.g., a broadcast message) (step 416 ofFIG. 4), then each recipient identifier is taken from its TO field andformatted in a BCC header field of the new message (step 418 of FIG. 4).For example, the recipient identifiers may be formatted in BCC headerfields which are BCC header fields of an MMS message.

The processor then causes the formatted new message to be transmitted tothe recipient identifiers via the wireless communication network (step420 of FIG. 4). The flowchart ends at an end block 422 of FIG. 4.

After a message is transmitted via the wireless network, the message isreceived by the recipient devices. As described in relation to theflowchart of FIG. 4, although upon creation of a group message therecipient identifiers are displayed in recipient input fields which aredesignated as “TO” fields, the processor operates to populate “CC”fields of the MMS message with these recipient identifiers whenformatting the MMS message for transmission. The “TO” fields of the MMSmessage are left blank or empty. The processor of the recipient deviceoperates to identify and process an incoming MMS message as a groupmessage based on identifying the multiple recipients in the CC fields.The processor is operative to process group messages according to thegroup message processing mode. Here, the processor operates to displayand make visible the sender identifier who sent the message, inassociation with the message. The processor may be further operative toenable reply messaging (i.e., reply to sender only, or reply to all) inresponse to an input request for reply. See again FIG. 11 for anillustrative example of the way in which the processor of recipientdevices processes group messages of a group conversation.

Further, although upon creation of a broadcast message the recipientidentifiers are displayed in recipient input fields which are designatedas “TO” fields, the processor operates to populate “BCC” fields of theMMS message with these recipient identifiers when formatting the MMSmessage for transmission. The “TO” fields of the MMS message are leftblank or empty. The processor of the recipient device operates toidentify and process an incoming MMS message as a broadcast messagebased on identifying the multiple recipients in the BCC fields. Theprocessor is operative to process the broadcast message according to thebroadcast (non-group) message processing mode. Here, the processor isoperative to suppress the display of the sender identifier (i.e., whosent the message) with the message. The processor may be furtheroperative to enable reply messaging to the sender and all recipients (oralternatively only to the sender identifier), in response to an inputrequest for reply. See again FIG. 10 for an illustrative example of theway in which the processor of recipient devices processes broadcastmessages of a broadcast.

As apparent, the techniques of the present disclosure provide for areduced number and simplified input fields for multiple recipients, suchthat the user interface is simplified for messaging for the end user.

Methods and apparatus for use in communicating messages to multiplerecipients from a wireless communication device have been described. Thewireless device receives, at a user interface, an input selection forcreating a new message, as well as one or more input selections forselecting a plurality of recipient identifiers in “TO” fields of the newmessage. The wireless device also receives, via the user interface, aninput selection for indicating whether or not the new message is for agroup conversation. When the input selection indicates that the newmessage is for a group conversation, the wireless device formats eachrecipient identifier in a first header field (e.g., a CC header field)of the message. When the input selection indicates that the new messageis not for a group conversation, the wireless device formats eachrecipient identifier in a second header field (e.g., a BCC header field)of the message. The message which includes message body contents is thentransmitted to the recipient identifiers via a wireless communicationnetwork. Recipient devices may process the message as group or non-group(e.g., broadcast) depending on the field locations of the recipientidentifiers.

The above-described embodiments of disclosure are intended to beexamples only. For example, the techniques may apply to other types ofmessages such as instant messages or email messages. Also for example,the recipient identifiers may be populated in the header fields in theopposite fashion (BCC header fields for group and CC header fields fornon-group), or different header fields may be utilized depending on whattypes of messaging is utilized. Alterations, modifications, andvariations may be effected to particular embodiments by those of skillin art without departing from scope of invention, which is definedsolely by claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method in a wireless communication device foruse in communicating messages via a wireless communication network, themethod comprising: receiving, via a user interface of the wirelesscommunication device, a first input request for creating a new message;receiving, via the user interface, in one or more TO fields of the newmessage, one or more second input requests for selecting a plurality ofrecipient identifiers for the new message; receiving, via the userinterface, a third input request which indicates whether the new messageis for a group conversation; when the third input request indicates thatthe new message is for a group conversation, formatting the recipientidentifiers in CC header fields of the new message; otherwise, when thethird input request indicates that the new message is not for a groupconversation, formatting the recipient identifiers in BCC header fieldsof the new message; and causing the new message to be transmitted fromthe wireless communication device via the wireless communication networkto the recipient identifiers.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving, via the user interface, an indication to send thenew message; in response to the indication to send the new message whenthe third input request indicates that the new message is for the groupconversation, formatting each recipient identifier from the TO field inthe CC header fields; and in response to the indication to send the newmessage when the third input request indicates that the new message isnot for a group conversation, formatting each recipient identifier fromthe TO field in the BCC header fields.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe new message comprises a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message.4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting a user inputcheckbox; when the user input checkbox is checked, then the new messagebeing for the group conversation; and otherwise, when the user inputcheckbox is unchecked, then the new message not being for the groupconversation.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein, when the new message isnot for a group conversation, the new message is processed as abroadcast message which includes suppressing a display of a senderidentifier of the new message with the new message.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a processor of the wireless communication device isconfigured to format the recipient identifiers in the CC header fieldsor BCC header fields without user intervention.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the recipient identifiers comprise at least some of recipientnames, recipient telephone numbers, or recipient addresses.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at a recipient device,the new message; displaying the new message in a display of therecipient devices; and when the recipient identifiers are formatted inthe CC header fields of the new message, processing the new message aspart of a group conversation which includes displaying in the display asender identifier of the new message with the new message.
 9. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at a recipient device, thenew message; displaying the new message in a display of the recipientdevice; and when the recipient identifiers are formatted in the BCCheader fields of the new message, processing the new message as abroadcast message which includes suppressing a display of a senderidentifier of the new message while the new message is being displayed.10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at a recipientdevice, the new message; displaying the new message in a display of therecipient device; and when the recipient identifiers are formatted inthe CC header fields of the new message, processing the new message aspart of a group conversation, which includes displaying in the display asender identifier of the new message with the new message; and when therecipient identifiers are formatted in the second header fields of thenew message, processing the new message as a broadcast message, whichincludes suppressing a display of a sender identifier of the new messagewhile the new message is being displayed.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising: wherein processing the new message as part of thegroup conversation comprises making the recipient identifiers visible ina display while the new message is being displayed; and wherein theprocessing the new message as the broadcast message comprisessuppressing the display of the recipient identifiers from the displaywhile the new message is being displayed.
 12. A computer programproduct, comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; computerinstructions stored in the computer readable medium; and the computerinstructions being executable by one or more processors of a wirelesscommunication device for: receiving, via a user interface of thewireless communication device, a first input request for creating a newmessage; receiving, via the user interface, in one or more TO fields ofthe new message, one or more second input requests for selecting aplurality of recipient identifiers for the new message; receiving athird input request which indicates whether the new message is for agroup conversation; when the third input request indicates that the newmessage is for a group conversation, formatting the recipientidentifiers in CC header fields of the new message; otherwise, when thethird input request indicates that the new message is not for a groupconversation, formatting the recipient identifiers in BCC header fieldsof the new message; and causing the new message to be transmitted via awireless communication network to the recipient identifiers.
 13. Awireless communication device, comprising: one or more processors; awireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors, the wirelesstransceiver configured for communications in a wireless communicationnetwork; a user interface coupled to the one or more processors, theuser interface comprising a display; memory coupled to the one or moreprocessors; the one or more processors being configured to: receive, viathe user interface, a first input request for creating a new message;receive, via the user interface, in one or more TO fields of the newmessage, one or more second input requests for selecting a plurality ofrecipient identifiers for the new message; receive, via the userinterface, a third input request which indicates whether the new messageis for a group conversation; when the third input request indicates thatthe new message is for a group conversation, format the recipientidentifiers in first header fields of the new message; otherwise, whenthe third input request indicates that the new message is not for agroup conversation, format the recipient identifiers in second headerfields of the new message; and cause the new message to be transmitted,via the wireless transceiver, to the recipient identifiers via awireless communication network.
 14. The wireless communication device ofclaim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:receive, via the user interface, an indication to send the new message;in response to the indication to send the new message when the third ininput request indicates that the new message is for the groupconversation, format each recipient identifier from the TO field in theCC header fields; and in response to the indication to send the newmessage when the third input request indicates that the new message isnot for a group conversation, format each recipient identifier from theTO field in the BCC header fields.
 15. The wireless communication deviceof claim 13, wherein the message comprises a Multimedia MessagingService (MMS) message.
 16. The wireless communication device of claim13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:present a user input checkbox; when the user input checkbox is checked,the new message being for the group conversation; and when the userinput checkbox is unchecked, the new message not being for the groupconversation.
 17. The wireless communication device of claim 13, whereinthe one or more processors are further configured to: when the newmessage is not for the group conversation, process the new message as abroadcast message which includes suppressing a display of a senderidentifier of the new message with the new message.
 18. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors areconfigured to format the recipient identifiers in the CC header fieldsor BCC header fields without user intervention.
 19. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 13, wherein the recipient identifierscomprise at least some of recipient names, recipient telephone numbers,and recipient addresses.
 20. A communication system, comprising: awireless communication network; a first wireless communication deviceoperative in the wireless communication network; the first wirelesscommunication device being configured to: receive, via a user interface,a first input request for creating a new message; receive, via the userinterface, in one or more TO fields of the new message, one or moresecond input requests for selecting a plurality of recipient identifiersfor the new message, the recipient identifiers identifying at least asecond wireless communication device and a third wireless communicationdevice operative in the wireless network; receive, via the userinterface, a third input request which indicates whether the new messageis for a group conversation; when the third input request indicates thatthe new message is for a group conversation, format the recipientidentifiers corresponding to the second wireless communication deviceand the third wireless communication device in CC header fields of thenew message; otherwise, when the third input request indicates that thenew message is not for a group conversation, format the recipientidentifiers corresponding to the second wireless communication deviceand the third wireless communication device in BCC header fields of thenew message; and cause the new message to be transmitted, via thewireless communication network, to second wireless communication deviceand the third wireless communication device identified by the recipientidentifiers.
 21. The communication system of claim 20, wherein the firstwireless communication device is further configured to: receive, via theuser interface, an indication to send the new message; in response tothe indication to send the new message when the third input requestindicates that the new message is for the group conversation, formateach recipient identifier from the TO field in the CC header fields; andin response to the indication to send the new message when the third ininput request indicates that the new message is not for a groupconversation, format each recipient identifier from the TO field in theBCC header fields.
 22. The communication system of claim 20, wherein themessage comprises a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message.
 23. Thecommunication system of claim 20, wherein the first wirelesscommunication device is further configured to: present a user inputcheckbox; when the user input checkbox is checked, the new message beingfor the group conversation; and otherwise, when the user input checkboxis unchecked, the new message not being for the group conversation. 24.The communication system of claim 20, wherein the first wirelesscommunication device is further configured to, when the new message isnot for the group conversation, the new message is processed as abroadcast message which includes suppressing a display of a senderidentifier of the new message with the new message.